Positive space campaigns are used by large institutions, small organizations and by individuals to sending out the message that they will respond favorably to those who may feel marginalized because of sexual orientation. In other words, wherever the sticker is displayed, LGBTQ know that they are in a safe place - that they can be themselves in an environment free from negativity & homophobia. Several Canadian Universities have positive space programs, including University of Toronto at http://www.yorku.ca/ombuds/ , York University at http://www.yorku.ca/ombuds/ , University of Calgary at http://www.fp.ucalgary.ca/positivespace/ and University of British Columbia. The campaigns may involve training, so that those with stickers in their offices are prepared to provide support to LGBTQ minorities. The campaigns may be initiated by students or by faculty. University of Toronto has posted on their website a set of guidelines which other institutions can follow when organizing positive space campaigns. See http://www.sa.utoronto.ca/details.php?wscid=195.
Strategies from the Trenches
1. Student activism on race and other diversity issues, and particularly on homophobia and queer bashing, and if directed at the University's senior administration, can be an effective foundation for an effective positive space campaign.
2. Is some members of the campus community have a history of involvement in LGBTQ issues on campus and in the broader community, bring them together as a support system in planning and implementing a positive space campaign.
3. Ownership of the issue by the senior administration is an important foundation for a successful campaign (eg., by striking a president's committee, or speaking in public in support).
4. Funding for the initiative is needed, through a specific position or part of a position, with an identified campus home such as an equity office or a gay and lesbian resource centre.
5. Ownership of the initiative by other senior campus administrators can be solicited by asking for their financial support for a pilot programme. This process educated them and encouraged buy-in.
6. A highly successful public launch of a programme can be centered around the return to campus of a high profile alumnus who has "come out", and who can talk about his or her experience of being LGBTQ on campus.
7. Positive space programmes appear to have gathered momentum at those universities that have invested in associated educational programmes.
8. Over time, those with positive space stickers move offices. The sticker should move with them.
9. Students can participate by having stickers on book bags, binders etc.
10. Different universities, and different campuses and colleges within the same university campuses, have different cultures in relation to LGBTQ issues, and may need different approaches.
11. Evaluation of positive space programmes remains undeveloped. Seniors tend to value programmes that have been adopted by other institutions, so their own institution can be seen as a leader. Whether this has actually been associated with a change in the level of homophobia on campus is more problematic.
12. A survey of campus climate for LGBTQ minorities can provide evidence to support the need for a positive space campaign. It can also be used later to evaluate the impact of a campaign. Susan Rankin's ""Assessment of Campus Climate for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Persons" can be adapted for this purpose, and is available from The Editor..